Thursday, January 11, 2007

In which quilting sooths a worried mind...

Can you believe it? Actual quilting activity going on?

Everyone in my family has been hugely worried and distracted all week because a close relative was whisked into surgery to repair a tear in his aorta. This is the same medical problem that killed actor John Ritter out of the blue, by the way. And, most often (although not always) it's the result of untreated high blood pressure. In any event, my cousin made it to the hospital in time and while he's still in critical condition, he's currently stable and the outlook is encouraging.

So, it is not surprising that I am feeling distracted and unable to focus on anything except my cousin. Yesterday, sewing a few house blocks helped keep my hands busy.

By the way, I have been thinking about product versus process in quilting. Usually, I'm in it for the process. I'm less invested in the finished quilt than in the fun of making it, and that's fine with me. With this house thing, though, I'm fairly bored. I want the finished quilt (I can just picture it hanging in the stairwell) but gee, these blocks aren't that thrilling to make. Atypically, I'm just pushing through this to get to the end result. But I suppose with my low concentration level right now, that's just as well.

So glad your cousin made it to the hospital in time, Diane. I'm sending good thoughts and hugs for a speedy recovery.

As for product vs. process, I'm definitely in the process camp. I'm bogging down in my current quilt because I'm getting tired of the colors, though. I think THAT's why we usually have several things going at once.

The house block looks wonderful and I am totally in love with the red and white print. Can't wait to see the finished quilt...

I like process for the first 10 blocks or so then I find it tedious. Putting the blocks together and setting the quilt is a process I enjoy. The blocks growing into a big quilt top is fun. I don't like basting, but I do like the process of hand-quilting. I don't get tired of that although it always takes longer than I expect. The binding is the final process and I like doing it.

Good wishes for your cousin, I hope all goes well. As for process vs product, I have to say I have a hard time choosing! I love the process, the zen-ness of quilting even through the mundane parts of it all. Well, except for the sleeve..LOL. The product had better be something I want to see finished or I am sure it would never get there. These red and white houses are going to be fabulous and I know you are going to be very glad you muddled through it all to the end!

Process of product - both I think, I amnow disquitened if I am caught without sewing to do and I loveto hol dthe end result up and say 'Look what I did!" although I HATE the proceess of basting. so boring. If you are really bored with the blocks and can afford the postage send some fabric and the pattern to me and I'll do a handful for you and post them back so you can just have product.Email me via my blog for the address.

As for quilting, definately process. And, I vote with Gerrie- lose the patterns!!! Do a free form house block! Go look at Anne Lullie's site (link on Melody's blog) and take a gander at her piece "It takes a Village."